The Power Rabbit (Solum Accelero Validus), also known as "Power Bunny" is the only type in its genus. It weighs around 2.0 kg- 3.5 kg and is around 40cm to 55cm long. The Power Rabbit's average size is slightly larger than the previous genus of the European Rabbit. However its external appearance is mostly identical to the European Rabbit except for the longer ears, longer body length and larger hind legs.
The bionomial name of the Power Rabbit is Solum Accelero Validus which literally means "Land Speed Power" in Latin. Their bionomial name can obviously identify that this species lives on land and the words "Speed" and "Power" describes their hind legs being powerful and enables them to run and dig burrows at great speed. Hence the Power Rabbit (Solum Accelero Validus) is a rabbit that lives on land and has powerful hind legs that can run at great speed. Scientific Classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Lagomorpha
Family:
Leporidae
Genus:
Solum
Species:
Accelero Validus
Labelled Diagram of The Power Rabbit
A Diagram of Power Rabbit- Source: Hand-drawn
Habitat
Distribution Range of the Power Rabbit- Source: http://www.futuretimeline.net/images/pangaea_future_earth_map_50m.jpg
Unlike its ancestors (European Rabbit), the Power Rabbit can now be found on every continent except Antarctica. The map shows a prediction of the location of each continent in 50 million years, as observed Europe and Asia has interlocked to become the new Eurasia and Africa has moved in the North direction to interlock with the west part of Eurasia. This also suggests that the Power Rabbit have populated throughout Asia too. Since many countries of previous Europe and Africa continents are land-locked hence its in the best interest of the Power Rabbit species accommodating to the terrestrial system of ecology and habitat.
Riverbanks or Streams; Future potential habitat for Power Rabbits- Source: http://images.travelpod.com/users/lapetitegrande3/1.1256186940.wild-flowers-along-the-river-bank.jpg
Due to the continental drift, a larger part of the previous Africa and small region of Eurasia continent lies upon the Equator and in addition to the current environmental issues such as greenhouse effect and global warming will directly impact on the temperature of the region to increase. The Power Rabbit species has adapted to the hot climate and surrounding a minimum temperature of approximately 30 degrees Celsius. However by analysing the map, natural disasters El Niño and La Niña may impact on far south on Africa such as drought or flood caused by tropical cyclones and typhoons. The Power Rabbit species can hide in dug-out burrows as shelter nonetheless flood and cyclone causes soil erosion to destroy burrows.
The distribution range of Power Rabbits has increased consequently leading to an increase of potential predators. Animals that feed/prey upon Power Rabbits would be descendants of hawks, Grizzly Bears and even domesticated dogs can be a threat. However, as Power Rabbits are nocturnal animals, at night its predators would be descendants of owls and bobcats which roams the wildlife in previous Asia and Africa. Even though Power Rabbits live upon a terrestrial ecology and habitat so do all of its predators hence the best method is to hide in their burrows.
The Power Rabbit just like Earthworms being herbivore, it inhabits the bushland to consume as much grass as desired. Moreover, the Power Rabbit are now capable to stand in water at shallow depth to consume grass that may be grown under an aquatic environment (eg. shallow stream or river). Nonetheless, the Power Rabbit is less agile in an aquatic environment hence they tend to limit the duration also their short fur are not waterproof and cannot withstand being too wet. Power Rabbits continue to build their multi- chambered burrows in soft soil and lives in a colony.
Structural Adaptation
Powerful Hind Legs
Power Rabbits' bionomial name is Solum Accelero Validus which literally means that its a land animal with speed and power. The word "speed" and "power" are used to describe its hind legs. The previous species of European Rabbit used their hind legs to dig out burrows to 'live' in, to help them hop at speed and also they will thump it when they sense potential threat. Just like human being, we have legs (limps) which allows us to run when we sense potential threat and move around at our own desire.
The Power Rabbit's hind legs differ from the European Rabbit species in that it is slightly larger in size with a stronger and bigger muscle and higher density in bones such as fused tibiotibula (lower limp) and patella (joint). The previous European Rabbit had very fragile bones especially in its limps, even by a gentle kick can impact badly on its backbone and break their bones.
With stronger muscles and less fragile bones it can benefit Power Rabbit species to hop faster and further. The previous European Rabbit were known to hop at approximately 13m-16m per second however they are physically incapable to travel a long distance. With strong muscles it allows the Power Rabbit to accommodate a further or higher hop to escape from its predators for a longer period of time and less amount of energy. Furthermore, Rabbits use their hind legs to help dig out burrows quickly and manage to dig into harder soil which less likely to be damaged during wet seasons or soil erosion. Lastly, Power Rabbits can stand on their hind legs with greater balance especially in aquatic environment (eg. riverbanks or streams) to consume their particular diet.
Long and Sensitive Ears The previous European Rabbits were famous for their ears and the Power Rabbit species now have similar characteristics when it comes to the ears. Power Rabbits have longer and more sensitive ears than the European Rabbits. An European Rabbit's ears is approximately 12% of its entire body surface on the other hand Power Rabbits' ears covered up to 15%-18% of its body surface.
Both European Rabbits and Power Rabbits are known to be very careful animals, once they leave their burrows they shall always be on guard for signs of danger and threat. The previous European Rabbit species were able to swivel their ears at 270 degrees angle to hear two corresponding direction nonetheless the Power Rabbit species are now structured with the ability to swivel their ears up to 350 degrees angle allowing them to hear sounds from all directions. As its eyes are located on either side of its head , it can see everything on both sides but not behind it hence by hearing the sound beforehand can alert it and provide it an opportunity to take shelter from potential harm.
The purpose of European Rabbits' ears also exceed to help the rabbit to cool down using the abundance of blood vessels. Thus the larger ears with more blood vessels can help to cool down its body at a quicker rate but also help it to retain heat to maintain warmth. Furthermore, compared to the previous European Rabbits, the Power Rabbits have shorter fur to help cool down and its easier to dry when its damp (perhaps after consuming at the riverbanks or stream). Behaviour Adaptation
Scouting For Food in Aquatic Environment
Unlike the previous European Rabbit species, the Power Rabbits are capable to scout for food in aquatic environment such as shallow riverbanks and streams where the Black Swan may live. Usually a group of four or five fully-grown adult rabbits will hop to the location then "walk" on their hind legs to scout for food such as the common papyrus and stems of the pampas grass that are commonly found by banks. Rabbits that are capable to scout for food in aquatic environment are most likely to be fully- grown male rabbits as they are the only ones with strong and developed hind legs to walk and have enough gravity weight to not be washed away in the currents.
As the group of rabbits approach their desired location, the "leader" of the group will detect around for potential predators and will only continue if the environment is definitely safe. Rabbits are known to be very 'careful' animals hence checking is crucial especially when the group may include at least one or two alpha male of the colony.
By scouting the aquatic environment, the rabbits have larger variety of diet choices. The Power Rabbits prefers plants under the macrophytes (big plants) category but do not appeal to single-cell plants such as planktons and algae. The environment pressure that may have caused this behaviour adaptation is the pollution of the grass and plantations on land hence the rabbits resort to other options for a healthy diet as plantations living in the aquatic environment may absorb natural minerals from the water.
Digging Deeper Burrows Similarly to the European Rabbit species, the Power Rabbits prefer a cooler environment. Their most preferable temperature is around 10- 21 degrees however in the areas that they live in especially during daytime under the hot summer sun the temperature is far beyond the maximum temperature. Nonetheless, Power Rabbits are nocturnal animals thus they rarely leave their burrows in the daytime but another method to prevent overheating is by digging a deeper burrows further down into the soft soil.
By digging deeper down into the soil it is a efficient method to escape heat and live under the most preferable environment. Currently, the soil temperature drops approximately 2 degrees Celsius every 1.2 meters further down hence by digging deeper it will be closer in satisfying its most desired temperature. Furthermore the Power Rabbits are capable to build their burrows in a way that the burrow is layered with a dense cover thus a good method to prevent predators.
The environment pressure for this adaptation is the arising problem of due to developing economy's demand, trees are being chopped down to accommodate the urban sprawl. Without the trees, photosynthesis can not take place hence the sun's heat can not be absorbed leading to the temperature of soil increasing which is simply too hot for the Power Rabbits to live comfortably. Psychological Adaptation
Heart Rate
As previously mentioned, in many ways is the Palaeolagus species similar to the modern day European Rabbit including one of the significant factor of it being a very careful animal. Using its long and sensitive ears it can easily locate the direction, shape and size of its predators nearby however under circumstances of sudden shock it can simply die of heart attack. An average Power Rabbit’s heart rate is around 130- 325 beats per minute (bpm) which is relatively fast compared with an average healthy human heart which beats approximately 72 times per minute. Although it may always be under threat of dying from sudden heart attack, having a fast heart rate can be a good thing. A fast heart rate can translate into more oxygen circulating around its body and allow breathing to be smoother and enables the individual animal to run a longer period of time or run at a faster speed. Moreover, the amount of oxygen available decreases as the Palaeolagus digs deeper below the ground level for a comfortable burrow hence the oxygen can be conserved and used during those period of times staying underground. The environment pressure for this adaptation is the need for Palaeolagus species have enough oxygen to breathe in the deeper underground environment. Also, by having a more efficient oxygen circulation in the body, it can run faster or further away from its predators while it is out in the wild. Bibliography
Power Rabbit
The Power Rabbit (Solum Accelero Validus), also known as "Power Bunny" is the only type in its genus. It weighs around 2.0 kg- 3.5 kg and is around 40cm to 55cm long. The Power Rabbit's average size is slightly larger than the previous genus of the European Rabbit. However its external appearance is mostly identical to the European Rabbit except for the longer ears, longer body length and larger hind legs.
The bionomial name of the Power Rabbit is Solum Accelero Validus which literally means "Land Speed Power" in Latin. Their bionomial name can obviously identify that this species lives on land and the words "Speed" and "Power" describes their hind legs being powerful and enables them to run and dig burrows at great speed. Hence the Power Rabbit (Solum Accelero Validus) is a rabbit that lives on land and has powerful hind legs that can run at great speed.
Scientific Classification
Labelled Diagram of The Power Rabbit
Habitat
Due to the continental drift, a larger part of the previous Africa and small region of Eurasia continent lies upon the Equator and in addition to the current environmental issues such as greenhouse effect and global warming will directly impact on the temperature of the region to increase. The Power Rabbit species has adapted to the hot climate and surrounding a minimum temperature of approximately 30 degrees Celsius. However by analysing the map, natural disasters El Niño and La Niña may impact on far south on Africa such as drought or flood caused by tropical cyclones and typhoons. The Power Rabbit species can hide in dug-out burrows as shelter nonetheless flood and cyclone causes soil erosion to destroy burrows.
The distribution range of Power Rabbits has increased consequently leading to an increase of potential predators. Animals that feed/prey upon Power Rabbits would be descendants of hawks, Grizzly Bears and even domesticated dogs can be a threat. However, as Power Rabbits are nocturnal animals, at night its predators would be descendants of owls and bobcats which roams the wildlife in previous Asia and Africa. Even though Power Rabbits live upon a terrestrial ecology and habitat so do all of its predators hence the best method is to hide in their burrows.
The Power Rabbit just like Earthworms being herbivore, it inhabits the bushland to consume as much grass as desired. Moreover, the Power Rabbit are now capable to stand in water at shallow depth to consume grass that may be grown under an aquatic environment (eg. shallow stream or river). Nonetheless, the Power Rabbit is less agile in an aquatic environment hence they tend to limit the duration also their short fur are not waterproof and cannot withstand being too wet. Power Rabbits continue to build their multi- chambered burrows in soft soil and lives in a colony.
Structural Adaptation
Powerful Hind Legs
Power Rabbits' bionomial name is Solum Accelero Validus which literally means that its a land animal with speed and power. The word "speed" and "power" are used to describe its hind legs. The previous species of European Rabbit used their hind legs to dig out burrows to 'live' in, to help them hop at speed and also they will thump it when they sense potential threat. Just like human being, we have legs (limps) which allows us to run when we sense potential threat and move around at our own desire.
The Power Rabbit's hind legs differ from the European Rabbit species in that it is slightly larger in size with a stronger and bigger muscle and higher density in bones such as fused tibiotibula (lower limp) and patella (joint). The previous European Rabbit had very fragile bones especially in its limps, even by a gentle kick can impact badly on its backbone and break their bones.
With stronger muscles and less fragile bones it can benefit Power Rabbit species to hop faster and further. The previous European Rabbit were known to hop at approximately 13m-16m per second however they are physically incapable to travel a long distance. With strong muscles it allows the Power Rabbit to accommodate a further or higher hop to escape from its predators for a longer period of time and less amount of energy. Furthermore, Rabbits use their hind legs to help dig out burrows quickly and manage to dig into harder soil which less likely to be damaged during wet seasons or soil erosion. Lastly, Power Rabbits can stand on their hind legs with greater balance especially in aquatic environment (eg. riverbanks or streams) to consume their particular diet.
Long and Sensitive Ears
The previous European Rabbits were famous for their ears and the Power Rabbit species now have similar characteristics when it comes to the ears. Power Rabbits have longer and more sensitive ears than the European Rabbits. An European Rabbit's ears is approximately 12% of its entire body surface on the other hand Power Rabbits' ears covered up to 15%-18% of its body surface.
Both European Rabbits and Power Rabbits are known to be very careful animals, once they leave their burrows they shall always be on guard for signs of danger and threat. The previous European Rabbit species were able to swivel their ears at 270 degrees angle to hear two corresponding direction nonetheless the Power Rabbit species are now structured with the ability to swivel their ears up to 350 degrees angle allowing them to hear sounds from all directions. As its eyes are located on either side of its head , it can see everything on both sides but not behind it hence by hearing the sound beforehand can alert it and provide it an opportunity to take shelter from potential harm.
The purpose of European Rabbits' ears also exceed to help the rabbit to cool down using the abundance of blood vessels. Thus the larger ears with more blood vessels can help to cool down its body at a quicker rate but also help it to retain heat to maintain warmth. Furthermore, compared to the previous European Rabbits, the Power Rabbits have shorter fur to help cool down and its easier to dry when its damp (perhaps after consuming at the riverbanks or stream).
Behaviour Adaptation
Scouting For Food in Aquatic Environment
Unlike the previous European Rabbit species, the Power Rabbits are capable to scout for food in aquatic environment such as shallow riverbanks and streams where the Black Swan may live. Usually a group of four or five fully-grown adult rabbits will hop to the location then "walk" on their hind legs to scout for food such as the common papyrus and stems of the pampas grass that are commonly found by banks. Rabbits that are capable to scout for food in aquatic environment are most likely to be fully- grown male rabbits as they are the only ones with strong and developed hind legs to walk and have enough gravity weight to not be washed away in the currents.
As the group of rabbits approach their desired location, the "leader" of the group will detect around for potential predators and will only continue if the environment is definitely safe. Rabbits are known to be very 'careful' animals hence checking is crucial especially when the group may include at least one or two alpha male of the colony.
By scouting the aquatic environment, the rabbits have larger variety of diet choices. The Power Rabbits prefers plants under the macrophytes (big plants) category but do not appeal to single-cell plants such as planktons and algae. The environment pressure that may have caused this behaviour adaptation is the pollution of the grass and plantations on land hence the rabbits resort to other options for a healthy diet as plantations living in the aquatic environment may absorb natural minerals from the water.
Digging Deeper Burrows
Similarly to the European Rabbit species, the Power Rabbits prefer a cooler environment. Their most preferable temperature is around 10- 21 degrees however in the areas that they live in especially during daytime under the hot summer sun the temperature is far beyond the maximum temperature. Nonetheless, Power Rabbits are nocturnal animals thus they rarely leave their burrows in the daytime but another method to prevent overheating is by digging a deeper burrows further down into the soft soil.
By digging deeper down into the soil it is a efficient method to escape heat and live under the most preferable environment.
Currently, the soil temperature drops approximately 2 degrees Celsius every 1.2 meters further down hence by digging deeper it will be closer in satisfying its most desired temperature. Furthermore the Power Rabbits are capable to build their burrows in a way that the burrow is layered with a dense cover thus a good method to prevent predators.
The environment pressure for this adaptation is the arising problem of due to developing economy's demand, trees are being chopped down to accommodate the urban sprawl. Without the trees, photosynthesis can not take place hence the sun's heat can not be absorbed leading to the temperature of soil increasing which is simply too hot for the Power Rabbits to live comfortably.
Psychological Adaptation
Heart Rate
As previously mentioned, in many ways is the Palaeolagus species similar to the modern day European Rabbit including one of the significant factor of it being a very careful animal. Using its long and sensitive ears it can easily locate the direction, shape and size of its predators nearby however under circumstances of sudden shock it can simply die of heart attack. An average Power Rabbit’s heart rate is around 130- 325 beats per minute (bpm) which is relatively fast compared with an average healthy human heart which beats approximately 72 times per minute. Although it may always be under threat of dying from sudden heart attack, having a fast heart rate can be a good thing. A fast heart rate can translate into more oxygen circulating around its body and allow breathing to be smoother and enables the individual animal to run a longer period of time or run at a faster speed. Moreover, the amount of oxygen available decreases as the Palaeolagus digs deeper below the ground level for a comfortable burrow hence the oxygen can be conserved and used during those period of times staying underground. The environment pressure for this adaptation is the need for Palaeolagus species have enough oxygen to breathe in the deeper underground environment. Also, by having a more efficient oxygen circulation in the body, it can run faster or further away from its predators while it is out in the wild.
Bibliography
- Cool Cosmo.(n.d.). Warm and Cold Blooded Animals.Retrieved July 28, 2010. from http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/image_galleries/ir_zoo/coldwarm.html
- Cramptonarts.(n.d.).Rabbit Language. Retrieved July 28, 2010. from http://www.cramptonarts.com/rabbits/r_language.html
- Lousiana Veterinary Medicine Association.(n.d.).Biology of a Rabbit. Retrieved July 21, 2010. from http://www.lvma.org/rabbit.html
- Medley Library.(n.d.).Rabbit Care. Retrieved from July 22, 2010. from http://www.petstation.com/rabbitcare.html
- Wikipedia.(2010).Warm-blooded Animals. Retrieved July 21, 2010. from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warm-blooded